LPC, 10 years of experience
New to Grow
A mental health therapist is a compassionate professional dedicated to supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges. With specialized training in evidence-based practices, the therapist provides a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, identify unhelpful patterns, and develop strategies to foster growth and healing. By combining professional expertise with empathy, the therapist helps clients build resilience and discover their own strengths. ⸻ Prospective Clients Prospective clients may include individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship issues, or significant life transitions. Others may simply seek personal growth, stress management, or improved self-understanding. Clients come from diverse backgrounds and present unique needs, but all share a common desire for guidance, healing, and support. Whether someone is seeking short-term solutions or long-term care, the therapist tailors treatment to meet each client’s goals. ⸻ Impact on Clients’ Lives The impact of therapy can be profound. Clients often report improved emotional well-being, healthier coping strategies, stronger relationships, and greater confidence in their ability to handle stress. Therapy can help individuals break free from cycles of self-doubt, manage overwhelming emotions, and build more fulfilling lives. Over time, the therapeutic relationship itself can serve as a model for healthy communication, trust, and personal growth—empowering clients to carry these skills into all areas of their lives.
1. A Warm Welcome Your first session is about getting comfortable. The therapist will welcome you, explain how sessions work, and give you space to ask questions. This is your time to feel heard in a safe and supportive environment. 2. Confidentiality and Boundaries The therapist will review confidentiality—what is private and what situations require disclosure (such as safety concerns). This helps build trust and ensures you know your privacy is respected. 3. Sharing Your Story You’ll be invited to share what brought you to therapy. This could include challenges you’re facing, your background, or goals you’d like to work on. You don’t have to share everything at once—just what feels comfortable. 4. Setting Goals Together The therapist will work with you to clarify what you’d like to get out of therapy. These goals can be specific (like reducing anxiety) or broader (like gaining clarity about your life direction). Together, you’ll begin shaping a plan for your journey. 5. Next Steps Before ending, the therapist will summarize what was discussed, check in about how you’re feeling after the first session, and outline what future sessions might look like. You’ll also have the chance to ask any final questions. Overall Experience The first session is about building a connection, establishing trust, and laying the foundation for growth. It’s not about having all the answers right away—it’s about starting the process. Many clients leave feeling relieved, hopeful, and more supported simply by taking the first step.
With experience in prison systems, hospital settings, and community mental health, my therapeutic approach is rooted in adaptability, empathy, and respect for the unique challenges each individual faces. • Prison Setting: Working with incarcerated individuals taught me the importance of creating safety, structure, and trust in environments often marked by trauma and systemic barriers. I learned to focus on resilience, accountability, and hope, helping clients see possibilities for change despite difficult circumstances. • Hospital Setting: In fast-paced and often crisis-driven environments, I provided stabilization and acute care while maintaining compassion and calm. This setting sharpened my ability to address immediate needs, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and guide individuals and families through moments of vulnerability and uncertainty. • Community Mental Health: Serving diverse populations in community-based programs strengthened my commitment to accessibility and long-term support. I value meeting clients where they are—both literally and emotionally—by tailoring interventions to their cultural, social, and personal contexts. Across all settings, my therapeutic style integrates evidence-based practices with a person-centered approach. I focus on building strong relationships, empowering clients with tools for coping and growth, and fostering resilience so they can thrive beyond the therapy room.
Prospective clients may include individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship issues, or significant life transitions. Others may simply seek personal growth, stress management, or improved self-understanding. Clients come from diverse backgrounds and present unique needs, but all share a common desire for guidance, healing, and support. Whether someone is seeking short-term solutions or long-term care, the therapist tailors treatment to meet each client’s goals.
I have experience applying Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles to support clients in developing psychological flexibility. My work emphasizes helping individuals identify and clarify their values, increase mindfulness, and learn to accept difficult thoughts and emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them. Through this approach, I guide clients in shifting from avoidance or control strategies toward actions that align with their personal goals and values. Application in Practice In practice, I use ACT techniques such as mindfulness exercises, values clarification, and cognitive defusion strategies to help clients manage distress and build resilience. These tools are integrated into sessions to encourage clients to remain present, reduce the impact of unhelpful thoughts, and commit to meaningful actions even in the face of challenges. By weaving ACT into treatment, I aim to foster growth, balance, and long-term well-being in clients.
I have experience utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to help clients recognize and reframe unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors. My approach emphasizes the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and supports clients in building skills for healthier coping and problem-solving. Application in Practice In practice, I incorporate CBT interventions such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and skills training to address negative thinking patterns and encourage more adaptive behaviors. I also use goal setting and homework assignments to help clients apply CBT strategies outside of sessions, reinforcing learning and supporting long-term change. By integrating CBT, I assist clients in developing practical tools to manage challenges, improve functioning, and enhance overall well-being.
I have experience applying Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques to support clients in exploring and resolving ambivalence toward change. My approach emphasizes creating a collaborative, empathetic environment where clients feel empowered to identify their own motivations and build confidence in their ability to make meaningful changes. Application in Practice In practice, I use MI strategies such as open-ended questions, reflective listening, affirmations, and summarizing to strengthen clients’ intrinsic motivation and commitment to goals. This approach is particularly effective in supporting behavior change, enhancing engagement, and fostering a stronger therapeutic alliance. By integrating MI into sessions, I help clients move from uncertainty to action in ways that align with their values and readiness for change.
I have experience using Person-Centered Therapy principles to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, understood, and accepted. My approach emphasizes empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard, allowing clients to take an active role in their own growth and healing process. Application in Practice In practice, I apply person-centered techniques by fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship and empowering clients to explore their thoughts and emotions openly. By providing a safe, affirming space, I encourage clients to develop self-awareness, strengthen self-acceptance, and build confidence in their ability to make meaningful life changes. This approach is foundational in promoting autonomy, resilience, and personal growth.
I have experience incorporating Solution-Focused Brief Treatment (SFBT) techniques to help clients identify strengths, resources, and past successes as pathways toward achieving their goals. My approach focuses on solution-building rather than problem analysis, empowering clients to envision and work toward positive outcomes. Application in Practice In practice, I use SFBT strategies such as goal-setting, scaling questions, and identifying exceptions to challenges to help clients recognize progress and move forward with confidence. By highlighting what is already working and fostering hope, I guide clients in developing practical, short-term strategies that promote resilience, motivation, and lasting change.